This event symbolized the beginning of the modernization of the irrigation infrastructure in Shahimardan.
The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry, as well as the Director of the Water Resources Service, Almaz Zheenaliev, the Presidential Representative in the Batken region, Aibek Shamenov, the head of the World Bank office, Hugh Riddell, the project director, Ulanbek Torogeldiev, as well as heads of regional and district water management departments, contracting and consulting companies, local authorities, and communities.
The work will cover three populated areas: two rural districts and one city in the Kadamjai region. Of the total length of the canals, which is 35.2 km, 25.67 km will undergo complete modernization.
“Upon completion of the project, water supply will improve for more than 4,435 hectares of agricultural land, which will positively affect crop yields and agricultural resilience. The modernization of the Shahimardan system will provide farmers with stable water supply, increase irrigation efficiency, and strengthen agriculture in the face of climate change,” emphasized Almaz Zheenaliev.
The project is being implemented by the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry with the support of the World Bank as part of the initiative “Improving Climate-Resilient Water Services.”
